Lauren is a graduate of the UNT Master’s level Rehabilitation Counseling program. She is currently employed by UNT ENGAGE as a Senior Program Project Coordinator where she works with Neurodivergent students adjust to and navigate college. Lauren is also a Leader for the non-profit To Be Like Me, a program run by people of all disabilities designed to educate today’s youth and others about disabilities. Lauren was born with Muscular Dystrophy and has been a full-time power chair user since the age of 3. Along side her service dog Buchanan, Lauren is an all-around advocate for people with disabilities and specifically educates people about the importance of Universal Design and Service Dogs. In 2019, Lauren was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Texas, an advocacy title that allowed her to travel the state of Texas to educate on and advocate for her platform of Universal Design. Lauren was appointed to the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners in 2021 and will be serving as the disabilities representative to ensure accessibility everywhere.